[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 97 (Friday, June 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE MEMORY OF MAYNARD HOLBROOK JACKSON, JR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM MARSHALL

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 2003

  Mr. MARSHALL. Mr. Speaker. I was elected mayor of Macon in 1995. 
Macon is a town of a little over 100,000 people just 80 miles or so 
south of Atlanta. One of the first things I did after my election was 
to visit with Maynard Holbrook Jackson, Jr.
  Maynard Jackson was elected mayor of Atlanta in 1973 at the age of 
thirty-five, the first African-American mayor of a major city in 
Georgia as well as the southeast. He served two four-year terms and 
became known for promoting majority-minority partnerships to improve 
access for African-Americans to the world of contracting and supplying 
governments.
  Maynard Jackson was elected again as mayor of Atlanta in 1989 and 
served one more term. When I went to see him as a newly elected mayor, 
it was to get his advice, any advice he would care to offer. I had no 
particular agenda, just a hope that he would impart some wisdom, given 
his experience in both government and business. Maynard Jackson spent 
hours of his time with me that day. Of course I cannot recall all that 
we spoke of, but I found his advice very valuable. I will always 
remember how cordial and engaged he was--someone who really didn't need 
to give me the time of day instead gave me several hours.
  Maynard and I became friends who saw one another infrequently but who 
always responded quickly to one another's calls, e-mails or letters. 
The last time I spent any significant amount of time with him was just 
this February in Macon at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame for the 
opening of an exhibit honoring black classical musicians from Georgia. 
Maynard's aunt, Ms. Mattiwilda Dobbs, was the guest of honor for the 
occasion but Maynard was the star who could have easily stolen the 
show. Instead he remained out of the limelight, allowing his aunt to 
fully enjoy the attention she deserved as a world-famous artist, the 
first African-American soprano to perform at the Metropolitan Opera 
House in New York.
  When I heard of Maynard's passing this Monday morning, I recalled 
that evening I spent with him in February at the Music Hall of Fame and 
I remembered one touching incident. We all were examining the 
memorabilia gathered for this exhibit honoring classical African-
American artists of Georgia. The walls for this section of the museum 
were covered with photographs. Maynard grabbed my arm and pulled me 
toward one. It was a picture of the Morehouse College Glee Club that 
appeared quite old and, with great pleasure, Maynard pointed to one of 
the young men in the picture. It was his father, a father who had 
passed away when Maynard was quite young.
  Now Maynard himself has passed away too young, leaving us in his 
prime but leaving a legacy of remarkable accomplishments for Atlanta 
and all of Georgia.
  Mr. Speaker, it is right and just that this body honor Maynard 
Holbrook Jackson, Jr. with an appropriate resolution now being prepared 
by Representative Lewis which I will co-sponsor with other members, 
including I'm sure, all members of the Georgia delegation.
  Maynard Jackson will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. 
May he rest in peace knowing that his life has been well lived.

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